MTD MTD5520 Operator'S Manual Download Page 4

Page: 4 / 24

STARTING AND STOPPING INSTRUCTIONS

BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE

• Make sure the chain tension is at the desired setting. Refer to

Adjusting the Chain Tension

in the

Maintenance and

Repair

section.

• Make sure the bar-retaining nuts are tight to the guide bar cover.

• Make sure the fuel tank is filled with fresh fuel. Refer to

Oil and Fuel Information

. If the oil and fuel instructions are

not understood, do not attempt to fuel the unit!

• Make sure the bar lube reservoir is filled with bar and chain oil. Refer to

Adding Bar and Chain Lubricant

in the

Assembly Instructions

section.

• Make sure the chain brake is disengaged by pulling the front hand guard / chain brake back toward the front handle

as far as possible. Refer to

Testing the Chain Brake

in the

Assembly Instructions

section.

• Make sure the immediate area is clear of any objects or obstructions that could come in contact with the guide bar

and chain.

STARTING THE ENGINE

To help prevent accidental start-ups, this unit has a stop switch,
safety latch, throttle control lockout and a throttle control trigger that
must be used together to start the unit.

1. Move the stop switch down to the RUN position (Fig. 7).

2. Fully press and release the primer bulb 10 times, slowly (Fig. 7).

Some amount of fuel should be visible in the primer bulb. If fuel
cannot be seen in the bulb, press and release the bulb until fuel is
visible.

3. Move the red choke lever to

Position 1

(Fig. 8).

4. Place the unit on a firm, flat surface. Crouch in the starting

position and hold the unit firmly, as shown (Fig. 9).

5. Hold down the safety latch and squeeze the throttle control

trigger. While continuing to squeeze both the safety latch and
throttle control trigger, press down the throttle control lockout with
the thumb. Then release the throttle control trigger. This will lock
the throttle into the wide open position.

6. Pull the starter rope

times in a controlled and steady motion.

NOTE:

This unit uses the AST starting system, which significantly
reduces the effort required to start the engine. You must pull
the starter rope out far enough to hear the engine attempt to
start. There is no need to pull the rope briskly - there is no
harsh resistance when pulling. Do not pull the rope to its
limit, as this may cause the rope to break. Do not let the
rope snap back. Hold the handle and let the rope rewind
slowly. Be aware that this starting method is vastly different
from (and much easier than) what you may be used to.

Keep the throttle control trigger locked.

Move the red choke

lever to

Position 2

(Fig. 8).

Keep the throttle control trigger locked.

Pull the starter rope

3-5

times in a controlled and steady motion to start the engine.

Keep the throttle control trigger locked.

Allow the engine to

warm up for 30-60 seconds.

10. Depress and release the throttle control trigger to idle the engine.

11. Move the red choke lever to

Position 3

(Fig. 8). The unit is now

ready for use.

IF...

The engine does not start, go back to step 2.

IF...

The engine fails to start after a few attempts, move the red
choke lever to

Position 3

and squeeze the throttle control

trigger. Pull the starter rope

3-8

times in a controlled and

steady motion. The engine should start. If not, repeat.

IF...

The unit idles roughly, use a Phillips or standard screwdriver
to turn the idle adjustment screw (Fig. 10) 1/4 to 1/2 turn
clockwise or until the unit idles smoothly.

IF...

The saw chain turns while the unit is idling, use a Phillips or
standard screwdriver to turn the idle adjustment screw (Fig.
10) counterclockwise until the saw chain stops and the unit
continues to idle.

IF...

The engine starts and idles smoothly, begin the chain brake
test. Refer to

Testing the Chain Brake

in the

Assembly

Instructions

section.

IF WARM...

If the engine is already warm, perform steps 7 - 11 to

start the unit.

STOPPING THE ENGINE

1. Release the throttle control trigger and allow the engine to return

to idle speed.

2. Move the stop switch up to the STOP position (Fig. 7).

NOTE:

It is normal for the chain to coast to a stop once the stop switch is in the STOP position.

NOTE:

For emergency stopping, push the chain brake lever / hand guard forward to engage the chain brake and then
move the stop switch up to the STOP position.

2 3

Stop Switch

Fig. 7

OIL AND FUEL INFORMATION

OIL AND FUEL MIXING INSTRUCTIONS

Old fuel and improperly mixed fuel are the two main reasons why the unit
may not run properly. Be sure to use fresh, clean unleaded gasoline and
quality synthetic 2-cycle air-cooled engine oil. Do not use automotive oil or
boat oil; these oils will damage the engine.

Obtaining the Correct Fuel/Oil Mixture

Thoroughly mix the proper amount of 2-cycle engine oil with unleaded
gasoline in a separate fuel container (do not mix them directly in the
engine fuel tank). Use a 40:1 fuel/oil ratio. See the table for specific gas
and oil mixing ratios.

NOTE:

One gallon (3.8 liters) of unleaded gasoline mixed with one 3.2 oz.
(95 ml) bottle of 2-cycle oil makes a 40:1 fuel/oil ratio.

When mixing fuel, follow the instructions printed on the oil container. Always read and follow the safety rules relating to
fuel before fueling the unit.

NOTE:

Dispose of any old fuel/oil mix in accordance with federal, state and local regulations.

Using Blended Fuels

Today's fuels are often a blend of gasoline and oxygenates such as ethanol, methanol or MTBE (ether). These alcohol-
blended fuels absorb water. As little as 1% water in the fuel can make fuel and oil separate, which leads to the
formation of acids during storage.

If you choose to use a blended fuel, or its use is unavoidable, follow these precautions:

• Always use fresh fuel (less than 60 days old)

• Mix the fresh unleaded fuel with 2-cycle engine oil, as directed above

• Always agitate (shake) the fuel mix before fueling the unit

• Drain the fuel tank and run the engine dry before storing the unit

Using Fuel Additives

The bottle of 2-cycle oil that came with this unit contains a fuel additive that will help inhibit corrosion and minimize the
formation of gum deposits. Using the 2-cycle oil included with this unit is recommended.

If unavailable, use a good 2-cycle oil designed for air-cooled engines along with a fuel additive, such as STA-BIL

Gas

Stabilizer or an equivalent. Add 0.8 oz. (23 ml) of fuel additive per gallon of fuel according to the instructions on the
container. NEVER add fuel additives directly to the unit's fuel tank.

NOTE:

Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank or permanent damage can occur.

WARNING:

Gasoline is extremely flammable. Ignited vapors may explode. Always stop the engine

and allow it to cool before filling the fuel tank. Do not smoke while filling the tank. Keep sparks and open
flames at a distance from the area.

WARNING:

Remove the fuel cap slowly to avoid injury from fuel spray. Never operate the unit without

the fuel cap securely in place.

CAUTION:

For proper engine operation and maximum reliability, pay strict attention to the oil and fuel

mixing instructions on the 2-cycle oil container. Using improperly mixed fuel can severely damage the engine.

WARNING:

Add fuel in a clean, well-ventilated outdoor area. Wipe up any spilled fuel immediately.

Avoid creating a source of ignition for spilt fuel. Do not start the engine until fuel vapors dissipate.

MIXING RATIO - 40:1

UNLEADED GAS

2 CYCLE OIL

1 GALLON US

(3.8 LITERS)

3.2 FL. OZ.

(95 ml)

1 LITER

25 ml

WARNING:

Only operate this unit in a well-ventilated outdoor area. Carbon monoxide exhaust fumes

can be lethal in a confined area.

This unit comes completely assembled. The saw chain may be loose on the guide bar; refer to

Adjusting the Chain

Tension

in the

Maintenance and Repair Instructions

section.

UNPACKING

• Carefully remove the product and any accessories from the box.

• Inspect the product carefully to make sure no breakage or damage occurred during shipping.

• Do not discard the packing material until you have carefully inspected and satisfactorily operated the product.

• If any parts are damaged or missing, please call

1-800-800-7310

(U.S.) or

1-800-668-1238

(Canada) for assistance.

ADDING BAR AND CHAIN LUBRICANT

The guide bar and saw chain require lubrication to minimize friction.
Never starve the guide bar and chain of lubricating oil. Running the
unit without enough oil will decrease cutting efficiency, shorten the
life of the saw chain, cause rapid dulling of the saw chain and
excessive wear to the guide bar from overheating. An insufficient
amount of lubricating oil is evidenced by smoke, guide bar
discoloration or pitch build-up.

Fill the bar lube reservoir each time the fuel tank is filled. Only use bar
and chain oil that is formulated to perform over a wide range of
temperatures with no diluting required in the bar lube reservoir. Do
not use motor oil or any other petroleum-based oil.

NOTE:

This chain saw comes from the factory with the bar lube reservoir empty. Use the bottle of bar and chain oil that
is included with the unit.

1. Remove the bar lube reservoir cap (Fig. 4).

2. Carefully pour the bar and chain oil into the bar lube reservoir.

3. Replace the bar lube reservoir cap and tighten securely.

4. Wipe off excess oil.

NOTE:

Bar lube reservoirs are designed to keep oil slowly flowing onto the chain. This unit will use approximately one
tank of bar and chain oil for every tank of fuel. If the oil flow to the guide bar and chain is too much or too little,
refer to

Adjusting the Automatic Oiler

in the

Maintenance and Repair Instructions

section.

NOTE:

Do not use dirty, used or otherwise contaminated oils. Damage may occur to the guide bar or chain.

IMPORTANT!

Please dispose of oil properly. Consult your local waste authority for information regarding available

disposal options.

FUELING THE ENGINE

This unit is designed to operate on a mixture of unleaded gasoline
and 2-cycle engine oil. Refer to

Oil and Fuel Information

for complete

mixing instructions and detailed fuel requirements.

1. Turn the unit on its side so that the fuel tank is facing up (Fig. 5).

2. Slowly unscrew and remove the fuel tank cap by turning it anti-

clockwise.

3. Slowly pour the proper fuel/oil mixture into the fuel tank until the

tank is full.

4. Replace the fuel tank cap and turn it clockwise to secure it tightly.

5. Wipe off any spilled fuel.

TESTING THE CHAIN BRAKE

Always test the chain brake before using the unit and periodically
during operation. Follow these instructions to make sure the chain
brake is working correctly:

1. Place the unit on a clear, firm and flat surface.

2. Pull the chain brake lever back to disengage the chain brake.

3. Start the unit. Refer to

Starting and Stopping Instructions

. Be sure

to maintain a proper grip. Refer to

Proper Grip on Handles

in the

Operating Instructions

section.

4. While the unit is running, squeeze the throttle control trigger to 1/3

throttle and then engage the chain brake by pushing the chain
break lever forward with the left hand (Fig. 6).

The chain should stop moving abruptly. If it does, immediately release the throttle control trigger, turn off the engine and
return the chain brake to the disengaged position. Refer to

Starting and Stopping Instructions

If the chain does not stop when the chain brake is engaged, release the throttle control trigger, stop the engine and have
the unit serviced by an authorized service center.

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING:

Make sure the bar lube reservoir is

always filled. Failure to fill the bar lube reservoir will
cause irreparable damage to the unit.

Fig. 4

Bar Lube

Reservoir

Bar Lube

Reservoir Cap

Fig. 5

Fuel Tank

Cap